QOL in dialysis patients and carers
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Determinants of quality of life in dialysis patients and their carers
IRAS ID
189823
Contact name
Currie R. Moore
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 3 days
Research summary
Many people with established renal failure, the last stage of chronic kidney disease whereby the kidneys are unable to adequately function, rely on dialysis to remove toxins in their bodies and sustain their lives. Haemodialysis may take place either in hospital settings or at home; peritoneal dialysis is carried out at home. Dialysis is an intense treatment, normally taking place for 3-7 hours 3-7 days per week depending on the form of treatment, which has the potential to significantly impact the quality of life of patients and those close to them. Quality of life (QOL) is an important factor both from a clinical and patient-centred perspective. In clinical terms, people on dialysis with low QOL are more likely to have more hospitalizations and lower life expectancy. Dialysis patients and those caring for them who rate their QOL as high also tend to adjust to the treatment better.
The first year of treatment is a crucial time for patients and their carers, but research is lacking which examines how patients and their carers’ QOL change during this time, what factors are associated with those changes and how dialysis impacts their relationship. Interviews will be conducted with dialysis patients and their carers who are at three different stages in early dialysis care. The interviews will explore the impact of dialysis on their QOL and identify factors that influence its impact. Additionally, they will complete a survey which measures QOL, WHOQOL-BREF. The survey will be used to prompt other areas that may be impacted by dialysis and to compare QOL scores between patients and their carers. The findings from this study will be used to create profiles of patients and their carers. Profiles will assist health care professionals in recognizing patterns which may be linked to poorer QOL.
REC name
London - Hampstead Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/2016
Date of REC Opinion
25 Nov 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion